Judges 1:1-13
After <0310> [Now.]
asked <07592> [asked.]
Simeon ............................ Simeon <08095> [Simeon.]
went <01980> [I likewise.]
Lord <03068> [Lord.]
Bezek <0966> [Bezek.]
Eusebius and Jerome mention two villages of this name, near each other, about seventeen miles from Shechem, towards Scythopolis.
thumbs ... big toes <0931> [their thumbs. Heb. the thumbs of their hands and of their feet.]
This was not an unusual act of cruelty in ancient times towards enemies.--’lian informs us, that in after ages "the Athenians, at the instigation of Cleon, son of Cleoenetus, made a decree that all the inhabitants of the island of ’gina should have the thumb cut off from the right hand, so that they might ever after be disabled from holding a spear, yet might handle an oar." It was a custom among those Romans who did not like a military life, to cut off their thumbs, that they might be incapable of serving in the army; and for the same reason, parents sometimes cut off the thumbs of their children.
lick up <03950> [gathered. or, gleaned. as I have.]
Later <0310> [afterward.]
lowlands <08219> [valley. or, low country.]
Kiriath Arba <07153> [Kirjath-arba.]
Sheshai <08344> [Sheshai.]
Debir Debir <01688> [Debir.]
Caleb <03612> [And Caleb.]
The whole of this account is found in Jos 15:13-19, and seems to be inserted here by way of recapitulation.
give <05414> [to him.]
In ancient times fathers assumed an absolute right over their children, especially in disposing of them in marriage; and it was customary for a king or great man to promise his daughter in marriage to him who should take a city, etc.
